The Francine And Beaman Series

Scarecrow and Mrs. King are owned by Warner Brothers and Shoot The Moon. All SMK characters remain their property. The story premise and characters created for this story are the property of the author. The author has not profited from this story.

Part One The Courtship of Francine Desmond Published August 2, 2003

Part Two The Wedding of Francine Desmond Published August 2004

Part Three The Marriage of Francine Desmond Published March 2005

I have a soft spot for Beaman. Frankly, I've always adored this character, and have felt he never really got his due. And I've always thought that Francine and Beaman belonged together. The Courtship of Francine Desmond was exactly that, the budding love affair and courtship between these two wonderful characters.

The Wedding of Francine Desmond continued the saga of Francine and Beaman. This time, Agency business takes them across the world to Romania in a race against time to stop a former US laser scientist from selling a breakthrough battlefield laser to a hostile county and killing the President of the United States. Oh, all of this takes place against the countdown to their wedding, a wedding being planned in their absence by their mothers. . . .

The Marriage of Francine Desmond picks up as the newlyweds return to The Agency. There are loose ends to be dealt with from the case they finished before their wedding. Or was that only the beginning of what could become a life and death race against unknown enemies, and the survival of The Agency itself?

Notes: While this story can certainly stand alone, I recommend reading The Courtship Of Francine Desmond and The Marriage Of Francine Desmond, if only to give you the background and basis for this romance and many of the events that occur with these characters. Questions that are raised in the first and second story are answered here. While I hope each is enjoyed for it's own merits, the trilogy fulfills my vision of life for Francine and Beaman.

My thanks to a quartet of understanding and amused friends; Di, Diane, Kelley, and Jo. They have borne with me through my interest" in this series, read, re-read, commented, (seriously at times too!) and encouraged me in the lulls. If they had known of the involvement and interest in these characters they have helped to sustain, they probably wouldn't have started in the first place! In all seriousness, you are the best, and you have my thanks. Of course, as always to my hubby, the most tolerant man alive. Thanks for letting Beaman and Francine hang with us.

And K? Yeah, still glowing after all this time.

Enjoy the story The Marriage of Francine Desmond


Chapter One

It had been three days since the flames from the setting sun had filled the Fijian skies with brilliant pinks, oranges and deep reds. Three days since the deepening evening dressed in purples and blues, painted the night sky for the two lovers who had stood on their veranda watching the day slip to night. Three days since their last night in paradise, the last night of their honeymoon.

Now they were home. And neither of them had wanted those magical days to end.

The limousine dropped them off at their townhouse in Georgetown late in the evening. Efraim opened the door, and lifting Francine, carried her over the threshold into what was now their home. She laughed, a carefree sound that brought a smile to her husband's face.

"Welcome home Mrs. Beaman." He kissed his wife, gently putting her down on her feet.

"Thank you Mr. Beaman. Home, I like the sound of that. Our home." She wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him with passion. He pulled her closer to him, pressing her body to his own.

"Wanna check out some of the rooms in your new home?" He asked her, wiggling his eyebrows at her.

She laughed again, knowing exactly what he wanted to show her. "Hmmmm, I've seen all the rooms in my new home!"

"Any favorites?" He asked as he kissed her neck, stopping to nibble at the very sensitive spot he had found at the base of her jaw.

"The study," she told him breathlessly. "I love the study."

He lifted his head and looked at her. "The study? The study? Okay my love, the study it is!" He took her hand and started to lead her to the study. Francine laughed and dug in her heels, grabbing the couch as they went by.

"B! I'm teasing! I love the study, but . . ."

He stopped and pulled her up against him again, letting her feel his desire for her. She sighed and hugged him. "Let's go upstairs to our bedroom and let me make love to my wife in our bed," he whispered against her ear, eliciting a moan of desire from her.

"You have the best idea's Efraim."

"I think so too."

They spent the remainder of their honeymoon settling into the townhouse, finishing the last remaining details from the wedding. Efraim's family threw a huge party for them the Saturday before they were to return to work. Their gathered friends and family all commented on how tan, healthy and relaxed the couple looked. Efraim, being Efraim, had attributed their health to a non stop diet of making love in the sand. Francine had just shaken her head at him and rolled her eyes, laughing as she told everyone she was still shaking sand out of places, all of it from between her husbands ears.

Amanda Stetson watched Francine interacting with everyone, and was surprised to notice how much Francine had changed since she had married Efraim. There was a softness about her that had never been there before, and more than that, a confidence about whom she was and her abilities that didn't take the form of a chip on the shoulder. Francine laughed easily, her sharp wit still in evidence, but not cuttingly directed at anyone. Efraim was still Efraim, but he also exhibited a new confidence. Amanda decided that the love the two of them shared had healed a few old wounds in both of them.

"What are you doing, Amanda?" Her husband asked softly in her ear as he handed her a glass of wine.

Amanda took the glass and a sip, tilting her head as she watched Francine hand Efraim a bottle of beer and Efraim blow her a kiss. "Just watching B and B."

Lee laughed. "What a change in them, huh?"

"Yeah it's kind of nice, don't you think? They're both so confident in each other that most of their outer defenses have just disappeared. I've never seen Francine so comfortable with so many people, and she's even joking! I think they're good for one another. Efraim is certainly in love with her, all you have to do is see him look at her and you can almost feel it. And though Francine isn't as obvious, you can see how much she loves him in how she treats him and cares for him. And she has certainly lost that harshness she carried around all those years."

"Yeah, and they both really do look great, really relaxed. It's nice to see after the stress they were under before the wedding."

"There's still their trip back to Romania and Quigley's trial."

Lee sipped his own beer, nodding in agreement with Amanda. "They shouldn't have too much trouble with either. Quigley's mad as a hatter, and the trip to Romania will be over and done with quickly, they just have to raise that van. Billy said the DOD thinks they can get it up within a few days, barring any local problems."

"I think we'll all feel better when we can close out that operation." Amanda said.

"I still have nightmares about that rusted rebar giving way on Francine and seeing Beaman fall after Quigley shot him. I'm glad that the inquiry on the shooting of Quigley came back the way it did for both of their sakes. I still don't know how Francine got two shots off let alone hit Quigley. I know I won't forget seeing her wrestle Quigley for that gun."

Amanda put her hand on her husband's arm. "Yes you do, Lee. Remember when I was shot, you told me you nearly killed Norton Scott when you finally got him in the warehouse. I think Francine probably had some rage working in her favor."

"Yeah, you're right. I just wish I had been closer, the snow made it so hard to see anything, I would have gladly shot him." He glanced and saw his wife's frown. "Sorry Amanda, but it's true."

"I'm glad that you didn't have to, and I wish things had been different. But, look at those two, how happy they are. It makes you feel good, doesn't it?"

"Yeah it does. I'm glad they're happy, they deserve it."

Francine saw Lee and Amanda standing in the corner. She patted Efraim's arm just to let him know she was leaving and went over to her friends. "I'm so glad both of you are here. Isn't this a wild family? Everyone is so loud!"

"You'd have to be with a crew this large. How's married life treating you Francine?" Amanda asked, smiling as Francine looked at Efraim.

"Very well I'd say Amanda. Very well."

"The two of you look wonderful. I'm glad you're happy Francine, you deserve to be." Lee told her, giving his friend a kiss on the cheek.

Francine gave Lee a hug and turned when she felt Efraim's hand on her back. She smiled at him, grinning when he winked at her. Efraim put his hand out to Lee who shook it heartily. "Thanks for coming Lee, Amanda." Efraim leaned over and kissed Amanda on the cheek to the surprise of both Lee and Amanda. "I'm glad you could make it. Kind of rambunctious around here today with everyone running in and out."

"Everyone wanted to come see if you both survived your honeymoon together." Lee told the them truthfully.

The couple laughed, Efraim asking the obvious. "What was the office pool? Which one of us would come back?"

"Something like that." Lee mumbled.

"I put money in that before the wedding. Did I win?" Francine asked. Efraim started to laugh as did Amanda.

"Yeah as a matter of fact you did, 450 bucks." Lee replied, disgust heavily lacing his tone. "I think you rigged it," he continued, not convincing anyone he was teasing, least of all himself.

"Now how could I rig it? You're just upset because I beat you! You should know better than to bet against me!" Francine patted Lee's cheek and launched into a discussion with Amanda about where she could find some nice throw pillows for the living room couch. Lee and Efraim watched as their wives walked away.

"I think I need to sit. Was that our Francine asking my wife about throw pillows?"

Efraim laughed at Lee. "Yeah, it sure was. I like to nap on the couch, she doesn't like the pillow from the bed down in the living room, so she's fixing it to suit her. Kind of takes some getting used to, doesn't it? "

Lee nodded watching Efraim as he talked about his wife. "And I'd say the feeling is mutual."

"Yeah," Efraim replied on a satisfied grin. "Did you meet my brother-in-law? Lucy's husband, the guy who works at State? A little serious, a little studious, but a decent guy." Lee smiled at the description Efraim made of his sister's husband, a description that could be applied to Efraim himself.

The remainder of the day at Efraim's parent's house went well. A huge buffet dinner was served and the photographs and video of the wedding shown afterward. Efraim pulled out his photographs of their honeymoon, causing Francine to climb over the bodies of the kids laying on the floor to get some of the pictures before Efraim passed them around. The two newlyweds ended up tussling while everyone cheered on one or the other, depending on who had the upper hand. Francine managed to get the photos and pulled out any she considered incriminating, to which the group began pulling out cold hard cash to give her in exchange for the pictures. Efraim pulled out the duplicate photos and it became a race between the two to see who could collect the most cash for the pictures. There was laughing all the way around, the kids chasing their newly married aunt and uncle. Francine finally gave up, throwing herself on the couch with her newly acquired nieces and nephews clamoring for hugs and kisses from her. Efraim scattered them and sat beside her, handing over the cash he had collected to her, causing the shouts and cheers to start again.

They stayed late to help Efraim's parents with cleaning up after their guests had gone home. Everyone talked about the afternoon and evening and the good time that they had enjoyed. The young ones convinced Grandy and Grampa Beaman to let them spend the night with them. The admiral and Efraim had disappeared and Francine had found them acting out stories for the kids.

"Did you find them?" Francine's mother-in-law asked her.

"Yep, they're acting out bedtime stories for the kids upstairs."

Marguerite, affectionately called Peg by everyone, laughed. "We won't see them until the kids go to sleep, and then we'll have to wake up the two big kids!" The two women shared a laugh.

"Peg? I had a wonderful time here today. Thank you for having this party for B and me."

"Oh Francine! You're welcome. You have made my son the happiest man on earth. And when I look at you, I know that he makes you happy as well. We just wanted everyone to get a chance to see the two of you without the 'wedding' hanging over your heads." Peg hugged her daughter-in-law. "You are happy Francine, aren't you?"

Francine smiled and nodded her head. "I never thought I could be this happy. I love your son very much, and he makes me so happy it's hard to find words to say how much."

"I make you speechless, huh? Thanks, hon!" Efraim snuck up behind them and couldn't resist teasing his wife.

Francine swung around with the dishtowel in her hands, twirling it as she advanced on him. She smiled and raised her eyebrows at him. "You are gonna get it B."

Efraim chuckled as he backed up. "Oh baby! I love it when you talk like that!"

"John! Don't talk like that in front of your mother!" Peg called out, laughing.

"Aw, Mom! I learned it from you!" He yelled back.

"Get him, Francine!" Her mother-in-law teasingly called out.

Francine let go with the towel catching Efraim on the hip.

He jumped and howled. "Hey! That hurts! Stop it!"

Francine twirled the towel again, snapping it at him until he hit the back of the couch and went over it. Francine looked over her shoulder and jumped over to land on top of him. He caught her in his arms, laughing as she grabbed his shoulders so she wouldn't fall off onto the floor. Her eyes were twinkling with laughter, her smile was wide and easy. Efraim didn't think he had ever seen her more beautiful than she was right then, laughing in his arms. He put his hands into her hair, bringing her closer to him and he kissed her. His hands slipped down her back to hold her waist, pulling her closer to him. They remembered where they were and stopped, Efraim touching his wife's face with his finger, Francine giving him a swift kiss as she pushed herself up.

"Let's go help Mom so I can take you home and finish what I wanted to start on her couch." Efraim whispered as he helped Francine up, giving her a kiss on her cheek and heading into the kitchen.

His mother looked up as they came in the room, their faces flushed and their lips pink and swollen. She smiled as they cast what they thought were discreet looks at each other. She took the dish towels from them. "Go home! You're steaming up my windows! Go on. I'll wake your father up and he can help finish up here."

"Oh Peg, we don't mind, really!" Francine countered, looking to Efraim for help.

"It's okay Mom, I'll clean your windows for you." Efraim replied.

"Get out of the galley Commander, and take your wife with you! I've got mess duty tonight, and watching you make eyes at your bride all day has given me ideas to chase mine around the kitchen table a time or two. Now get going!" The admiral said, mock sternness in his tone.

Their drive home was wrapped in companionable silence. Glancing over at his wife, Efraim smiled as he reached out and took Francine's hand in his. "Did you have a good time hon? I know it gets kind of hectic when the whole gang is there like today."

"I loved it. I never experienced that type of family get together when I was growing up, it was all rather sedate and controlled. This was fun."

"I'm glad. It's usually like it was today. Noisy, crazy."

"I listened to you and your dad telling bedtime stories."

Efraim laughed. "I have a bedtime story to tell you, little girl!" He gave her a leering look which caused her to giggle.

"Hmmmm, my mother told me not to talk to men like you." She told him tartly.

"Hon, you don't have to say a word to me, just let me have my way with you!"

Francine laughed at him. "You are going to get tired of me if you keep up this pace B."

Efraim squeezed her hand, taking his eyes off the road for a moment to look at her.

"Never Francine. I'll never get tired of you."

Francine sighed, a soft smile on her face.

Efraim parked behind the townhouse and they walked into their home. Efraim did his nightly check while Francine went to get ready for bed.

She met him at the bedroom door wearing a smile. She laughed as his eyes darkened and she took him by the hand and led him to their bed. Nibbling on his ear, she whispered, "I don't want you to forget those nights in Fiji, or the mornings, or . . ."

". . .or the afternoons and nights," Efraim said, his voice thick with the desire that Francine always ignited in him. "I won't forget, I promise."

He was good to his word, showing her he had remembered every minute.